Keelon Russell’s latest honor comes with a familiar Alabama flavor.
The Crimson Tide quarterback was named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week after his performance against Florida State, the Maxwell Football Club announced Tuesday. The release called Russell a “redshirt freshman,” even though Alabama lists him as a sophomore on its online roster.
The award itself carries some Crimson Tide history. It’s named for former Alabama running back Shaun Alexander, and two Alabama players have already taken home the season-long prize before - Will Anderson and Caleb Downs.
Russell’s recognition was built on his best outing yet in an Alabama uniform. In the 50-36 win over the Seminoles, he completed 23 of 30 passes for 329 yards and three touchdowns, while also scoring once on the ground.
He won the starting job during the offseason over Austin Mack, and through three games he’s already flashed the kind of upside that made the competition worth watching. After the Florida State game, Russell said the offense is starting to come easier to him.
“Most definitely slowing down,” Russell said. “Just playing with that sense of, my biggest thing was just operating in and out the huddle.
Phenomenal job today. Still can do better on the things that we can do better.
I mean, we broke the offensive huddle with like 19 seconds on the clock. More efficient than any time.
“We were able to see the protections more clear. Got to a couple of the stuff that we talked about this week. And just, yeah, the game moves way slower when you know you’re able to move faster as an offense.”
Alabama returns to action Saturday against South Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN.
In Other News...
Bryant-Denny Just Gave Alabama Fans A New Gameday Price Debate
Bryant-Denny Stadiums concession stands can make even a routine snack feel like part of the bigger gameday experience, and the Burnt End Nachos are a good example of how Alabama fans are now weighing taste against the kind of price tag that comes with eating inside a major venue. The review of the item found a decent portion and a familiar enough lineup of ingredients, but also noted that the same dish carries a much friendlier price at a local restaurant than it does under the stadium lights.
For fans filing through Tuscaloosa on Saturdays, the real debate is less about whether the nachos are enjoyable and more about whether they justify nearly $20 before tax for what is still, at the end of the day, a plate of stadium food. Thats the tradeoff Alabama supporters keep running into on game day: convenience, atmosphere, and a specialty menu item, all wrapped into one purchase that leaves the taste buds satisfied but the receipt hard to ignore. [Read more 🡒]
Keelon Russell Just Entered A Bigger SEC Conversation
Rece Davis used his latest look around the SEC to put a spotlight on the leagues next wave of quarterbacks, and Alabamas Keelon Russell was right in the middle of it. As Davis sized up the conference heading into Week 4, he said Ole Miss remained his top team, but he also singled out four young passers who have already started to change the way their teams are viewed.
Russells inclusion matters because it keeps Alabama in the center of the SEC conversation even as other programs try to build momentum behind emerging quarterbacks like Tennessees Faizon Brandon, Vanderbilts Jared Curtis and Mississippi States Kamario Taylor. For Alabama, it is another sign that the Tides future at the position is drawing real attention, and that Russell is already being discussed alongside some of the leagues most promising young talents. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Pass Rush Has A New Difference-Maker Entering SEC Play
Through the first three games, Devan Thompkins has already become one of the more important additions on Alabamas defensive front. The USC transfer leads the Crimson Tide with three sacks, and his impact has shown up in more than just the stat sheet. Against Kentucky and Florida State, he gave Alabama a needed presence off the edge while also showing the versatility and poise the staff has come to lean on as SEC play begins.
Now the challenge gets a little more demanding, with South Carolina next on the schedule and Alabama looking for Thompkins to keep setting the tone up front. For a defense that wants to disrupt timing and force offenses into uncomfortable spots, his role only gets bigger from here. The early returns have been strong, but the next stretch will show how much of a difference-maker he can be when the competition tightens. [Read more 🡒]